OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Friday defended the state's decision to prioritize the elderly for coronavirus vaccination shots over people with underlying health conditions, noting that most Nebraska residents who have died so far were at least 65 years old.

Ricketts made the comments after his administration amended its coronavirus vaccination plan earlier this week.

People who have cancer, diabetes and other major health problems were previously eligible in the current phase of the state's vaccination plan, but they were removed from their spot on the list so health officials could focus on older residents. Essential workers such as first responders, teachers and corrections employees also qualify, but state officials have ordered local public health districts and pharmacies to give at least 90% of their available doses to senior citizens.

Approximately 82% of the 2,043 people who have died from the virus in Nebraska were at least 65 years old, according to the state's online tracking portal. When people who are at least 55 years old are included in that group, the percentage jumps to 93%.

"When you look at the data, the single biggest correlation is age," Ricketts said at a news conference.

Age isn't the only risk factor, however, and people with underlying health conditions were originally placed on the list out of concern that they were more vulnerable than younger, healthier residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with ailments such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart disease or who are obese are at greater risk of getting severely ill.

Ricketts said officials are focusing on seniors to try to prevent as many deaths as possible, and giving too many of the state's limited doses to others is a "less efficient" approach.

State officials said earlier this week that they expect vaccines will be available to the general public in Nebraska by late April or early May.&nbsp;

Nebraska has confirmed 198,442 virus cases since the pandemic began, and 185 people are currently hospitalized - a decline from the nearly 1,000 who were in hospital care in mid-November.

The state is expected to get more vaccine doses from drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna next week, after severe cold weather throughout the Midwest and Texas delayed some shipments.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Friday defended the state's decision to prioritize the elderly for coronavirus vaccination shots over people with underlying health conditions, noting that most Nebraska residents who have died so far were at least 65 years old.Ricketts made the comments after his administration amended its coronavirus vaccination plan earlier this week.People who have cancer, diabetes and other major health problems were previously eligible in the current phase of the state's vaccination plan, but they were removed from their spot on the list so health officials could focus on older residents. Essential workers such as first responders, teachers and corrections employees also qualify, but state officials have ordered local public health districts and pharmacies to give at least 90% of their available doses to senior citizens.Approximately 82% of the 2,043 people who have died from the virus in Nebraska were at least 65 years old, according to the state's online tracking portal. When people who are at least 55 years old are included in that group, the percentage jumps to 93%."When you look at the data, the single biggest correlation is age," Ricketts said at a news conference.Age isn't the only risk factor, however, and people with underlying health conditions were originally placed on the list out of concern that they were more vulnerable than younger, healthier residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with ailments such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart disease or who are obese are at greater risk of getting severely ill.Ricketts said officials are focusing on seniors to try to prevent as many deaths as possible, and giving too many of the state's limited doses to others is a "less efficient" approach.State officials said earlier this week that they expect vaccines will be available to the general public in Nebraska by late April or early May.&nbsp;Nebraska has confirmed 198,442 virus cases since the pandemic began, and 185 people are currently hospitalized - a decline from the nearly 1,000 who were in hospital care in mid-November.The state is expected to get more vaccine doses from drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna next week, after severe cold weather throughout the Midwest and Texas delayed some shipments.

Ricketts defends change to Nebraska virus vaccination plan 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Nebraska has dropped to its lowest level since the beginning of October.

The state said 230 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Wednesday, which continued the steady downward trend since the number peaked at 987 in November. The last time that number was lower was Oct. 1 when 227 people were hospitalized.

The number of new cases in the state has also been shrinking lately. Nebraska reported 374 new cases and four deaths Wednesday to give the state a total of 195,006 cases and 1,990 deaths. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 686.29 new cases per day on Jan. 27 to 370 new cases per day on Wednesday.

In the past two weeks, more than 175,000 people have registered to be notified when they are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine since the&nbsp;<a href="http://https//vaccinate.ne.gov" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;site launched. Nebraska said Thursday that 5.3% of the state's population has received both required doses of a vaccine, and 258,562 total doses of the vaccine have been administered, including 12,004 on Wednesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Nebraska has dropped to its lowest level since the beginning of October.The state said 230 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Wednesday, which continued the steady downward trend since the number peaked at 987 in November. The last time that number was lower was Oct. 1 when 227 people were hospitalized.The number of new cases in the state has also been shrinking lately. Nebraska reported 374 new cases and four deaths Wednesday to give the state a total of 195,006 cases and 1,990 deaths. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 686.29 new cases per day on Jan. 27 to 370 new cases per day on Wednesday.In the past two weeks, more than 175,000 people have registered to be notified when they are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine since the&nbsp;<a href="http://https//vaccinate.ne.gov" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;site launched. Nebraska said Thursday that 5.3% of the state's population has received both required doses of a vaccine, and 258,562 total doses of the vaccine have been administered, including 12,004 on Wednesday.

Nebraska virus hospitalizations at lowest level since Oct. 1 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people getting vaccinated for the coronavirus increased nearly 5% last week in Nebraska.

State officials said 48,982 doses of the vaccines were administered last week, up from 46,806 doses the week before. The state is working to speed up distribution of the vaccines.

So far, about 4.6% of the state's population has received both required doses of a vaccine. Nebraska said Monday that it has administered 232,896 doses of the vaccines.

Across the state, local health departments have begun vaccinating people 65 and older and some essential workers in the second phase of the campaign. Health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities were the first to get the shots.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska fell over the past two weeks from 849.14 new cases per day on Jan. 24 to 429.86 new cases per day on Sunday. The state said 193,826 virus cases and 1,968 deaths have been reported in Nebraska since the pandemic began.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state declined again Sunday to 250 from the previous day's 272. That number hasn't been that low since early October. It has fallen steadily since peaking at 987 in November.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people getting vaccinated for the coronavirus increased nearly 5% last week in Nebraska.State officials said 48,982 doses of the vaccines were administered last week, up from 46,806 doses the week before. The state is working to speed up distribution of the vaccines.So far, about 4.6% of the state's population has received both required doses of a vaccine. Nebraska said Monday that it has administered 232,896 doses of the vaccines.Across the state, local health departments have begun vaccinating people 65 and older and some essential workers in the second phase of the campaign. Health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities were the first to get the shots.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska fell over the past two weeks from 849.14 new cases per day on Jan. 24 to 429.86 new cases per day on Sunday. The state said 193,826 virus cases and 1,968 deaths have been reported in Nebraska since the pandemic began.The number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state declined again Sunday to 250 from the previous day's 272. That number hasn't been that low since early October. It has fallen steadily since peaking at 987 in November.

Nebraska nearly 5% more vaccine doses last week 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska plans to expand the next phase of its coronavirus vaccine campaign to include everyone 65 and older.

Previously, the state had planned to vaccinate people 75 and older during the next phase, which also includes essential workers who cannot work from home, but the federal guidance on who should be vaccinated next changed this week. Some younger people with high-risk medical conditions may also be eligible for vaccines in that next phase.

In most parts of Nebraska the next phase of vaccinations is expected to begin in early February after officials finish inoculating health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Mark Rupp with the University of Nebraska Medical Center cautioned that expanding the group that is eligible for the vaccine by 300,000 to 400,000 people means it will take longer to get through that phase and the overall pace of vaccinations may not change much because of the logistical challenges involved.

"I would just plead with folks to continue to have patience," Rupp&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska-opens-vaccines-to-people-65-plus-will-consider-those-with-medical-conditions/article_17043f0c-55b6-11eb-a019-97470af948b3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>to the Omaha World-Herald. "We're working through this as quickly as possible. And overall, the public health services are doing a really good job with this."

State officials hope to have a vaccine registration website available sometime around Jan. 29, said Angie Ling, incident commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. She said officials are working with the software developer to ensure it doesn't crash because of a surge in users.

Ling cautioned that some primary health providers still don't have vaccines because there aren't yet enough to go around, and local public health departments have determined where the product will go locally based on a variety of factors.

"Just because you're in a priority group doesn't mean you'll be getting one tomorrow," she said in a Facebook live update to answer public questions. "It will take time, so you need to be patient."

The state administered 5,214 doses of the vaccine on Tuesday, but it has only administered about half of the 175,021 doses it has received so far.

Nebraska reported 1,529 cases and 12 deaths Wednesday to give the state a total of 179,199 cases and 1,803 deaths. Over the past week, the number of daily new cases has averaged 948.14.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus declined to 449 Wednesday from 457 the day before. That total remains elevated, but it is less than half of the November peak of 987.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska plans to expand the next phase of its coronavirus vaccine campaign to include everyone 65 and older.Previously, the state had planned to vaccinate people 75 and older during the next phase, which also includes essential workers who cannot work from home, but the federal guidance on who should be vaccinated next changed this week. Some younger people with high-risk medical conditions may also be eligible for vaccines in that next phase.In most parts of Nebraska the next phase of vaccinations is expected to begin in early February after officials finish inoculating health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.Infectious disease expert Dr. Mark Rupp with the University of Nebraska Medical Center cautioned that expanding the group that is eligible for the vaccine by 300,000 to 400,000 people means it will take longer to get through that phase and the overall pace of vaccinations may not change much because of the logistical challenges involved."I would just plead with folks to continue to have patience," Rupp&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska-opens-vaccines-to-people-65-plus-will-consider-those-with-medical-conditions/article_17043f0c-55b6-11eb-a019-97470af948b3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">said&nbsp;</a>to the Omaha World-Herald. "We're working through this as quickly as possible. And overall, the public health services are doing a really good job with this."State officials hope to have a vaccine registration website available sometime around Jan. 29, said Angie Ling, incident commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. She said officials are working with the software developer to ensure it doesn't crash because of a surge in users.Ling cautioned that some primary health providers still don't have vaccines because there aren't yet enough to go around, and local public health departments have determined where the product will go locally based on a variety of factors."Just because you're in a priority group doesn't mean you'll be getting one tomorrow," she said in a Facebook live update to answer public questions. "It will take time, so you need to be patient."The state administered 5,214 doses of the vaccine on Tuesday, but it has only administered about half of the 175,021 doses it has received so far.Nebraska reported 1,529 cases and 12 deaths Wednesday to give the state a total of 179,199 cases and 1,803 deaths. Over the past week, the number of daily new cases has averaged 948.14.The number of people hospitalized with the virus declined to 449 Wednesday from 457 the day before. That total remains elevated, but it is less than half of the November peak of 987.

Nebraska expands eligibility for coronavirus vaccine

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - More than 40% of Nebraska's 90,000 health care workers have received the first of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine as the state continues to ramp up distribution.&nbsp;

State health officials said 78,074 of the 144,363 doses Nebraska has received so far have been administered so far - primarily to health care workers. Residents and workers at long-term care facilities have also begun getting vaccines.

About 10,000 people in the state have received both doses of the vaccine.

Nebraska said 1,197 doses of the vaccine were administered on Sunday, which is typically a slower day. The state administered an average of 5,811 doses each day last week.&nbsp;

The state reported 644 new cases of the virus and 12 deaths Monday to give Nebraska a total of 176,670 cases and 1,772 deaths since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has increased over the past two weeks from 798.86 new cases per day on Dec. 28 to 1,003.71 new cases per day on Monday.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state increased Monday to 484 from Sunday's 475, but it remains less than half of November's peak of 987.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - More than 40% of Nebraska's 90,000 health care workers have received the first of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine as the state continues to ramp up distribution.&nbsp;State health officials said 78,074 of the 144,363 doses Nebraska has received so far have been administered so far - primarily to health care workers. Residents and workers at long-term care facilities have also begun getting vaccines.About 10,000 people in the state have received both doses of the vaccine.Nebraska said 1,197 doses of the vaccine were administered on Sunday, which is typically a slower day. The state administered an average of 5,811 doses each day last week.&nbsp;The state reported 644 new cases of the virus and 12 deaths Monday to give Nebraska a total of 176,670 cases and 1,772 deaths since the pandemic began.&nbsp;The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has increased over the past two weeks from 798.86 new cases per day on Dec. 28 to 1,003.71 new cases per day on Monday.The number of people hospitalized with the virus in the state increased Monday to 484 from Sunday's 475, but it remains less than half of November's peak of 987.

Over 40% of Nebraska's health care workers receive vaccine

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Health officials say it's important to remain vigilant about social distancing to limit the spread of the coronavirus even though vaccines have started to be administered and the state's virus numbers have improved recently.

Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said the arrival of vaccines this month offers hope, but it will be some time before enough people have been vaccinated to make a difference in the pandemic.

"Until 60% to 70% of the community is vaccinated, you still need to wear the mask, you still need to have social distancing, you still need to take all of those precautions," Pour said.

Over the past several weeks, the virus numbers have been improving in Nebraska. The rate of people being infected with the virus went from the fifth-highest in the nation early this month to the 29th-highest rate on Monday.&nbsp;

The state said the number of people hospitalized with the virus remained unchanged Monday at 582. That is significantly lower than the peak of 987 set on Nov. 20 although it is still more than 2.5 times higher than it was on Oct. 1.

Nebraska reported 721 new cases of the virus and 25 deaths Monday to give the state 157,103 cases and 1,511 deaths since the pandemic began

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Health officials say it's important to remain vigilant about social distancing to limit the spread of the coronavirus even though vaccines have started to be administered and the state's virus numbers have improved recently.Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said the arrival of vaccines this month offers hope, but it will be some time before enough people have been vaccinated to make a difference in the pandemic."Until 60% to 70% of the community is vaccinated, you still need to wear the mask, you still need to have social distancing, you still need to take all of those precautions," Pour said.Over the past several weeks, the virus numbers have been improving in Nebraska. The rate of people being infected with the virus went from the fifth-highest in the nation early this month to the 29th-highest rate on Monday.&nbsp;The state said the number of people hospitalized with the virus remained unchanged Monday at 582. That is significantly lower than the peak of 987 set on Nov. 20 although it is still more than 2.5 times higher than it was on Oct. 1.Nebraska reported 721 new cases of the virus and 25 deaths Monday to give the state 157,103 cases and 1,511 deaths since the pandemic began

Officials urge Nebraskans to remain vigilant in virus fight

North Platte, Neb.-Beginning Monday, October 12, Great Plains Health expand visiting hours for patients in the hospital. Visitor restrictions were first put into place in April and have been modified in accordance with the current local COVID-19 situation.

“We recognize the importance of visitors in the healing process of our patients and we are continually trying to strike a balance between safety and human connection,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “As the pandemic continues to evolve, we continue to evaluate our practices on a regular basis to ensure that we have the safest policy in place for our patients, staff and the community.”

Effective Monday, October 12 2020, the visiting hours for our inpatients at Great Plains Health will be expanded to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The most recent visitor policy includes:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inpatient: One adult visitor during daily visitor hours 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Outpatient departments, clinics, Cancer Center and same day services will be allowed one support person to accompany the patient.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emergency department: No visitors are permitted with few exceptions, such as:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Patients with a cognitive impairment or disability who requires assistance to access care.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation for patients in end-of-life care.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behavioral health services: One adult visitor during visitor hours 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

These existing guidelines continue:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NICU and pediatric patients are allowed two parents 24/7

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Post-partum patients are allowed one support person upon admission, to remain through discharge.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be no visitors allowed for confirmed positive COVID-19 patients, those patients awaiting COVID-19 test results or other patients on isolation precautions.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation will be restricted for patients needing care that creates a risk to others, such as those on BiPAP or those on continuous high flow oxygen.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Special consideration for circumstances such as end of life.

All visitors and support persons must

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be age 19 or older.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Show identification and pass a health screening, including a temperature check. Any visitor or support person that shows symptoms or has a temperature higher than 100 degrees, will not be allowed to visit or accompany the patient.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wear a mask. Visitors and support persons are asked to bring their own cloth mask or face covering to wear throughout their entire visit, including while inside the patient’s room.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remain in the patient’s room while in the inpatient unit. Waiting rooms are closed at this time.

Great Plains Health continues to work closely with local and state public health officials and regularly reviews policies to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff and the community.

North Platte, Neb.-Beginning Monday, October 12, Great Plains Health expand visiting hours for patients in the hospital. Visitor restrictions were first put into place in April and have been modified in accordance with the current local COVID-19 situation.“We recognize the importance of visitors in the healing process of our patients and we are continually trying to strike a balance between safety and human connection,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “As the pandemic continues to evolve, we continue to evaluate our practices on a regular basis to ensure that we have the safest policy in place for our patients, staff and the community.”Effective Monday, October 12 2020, the visiting hours for our inpatients at Great Plains Health will be expanded to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.The most recent visitor policy includes:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inpatient: One adult visitor during daily visitor hours 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Outpatient departments, clinics, Cancer Center and same day services will be allowed one support person to accompany the patient.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emergency department: No visitors are permitted with few exceptions, such as:o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pediatric patients.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Patients with a cognitive impairment or disability who requires assistance to access care.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation for patients in end-of-life care.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behavioral health services: One adult visitor during visitor hours 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.These existing guidelines continue:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NICU and pediatric patients are allowed two parents 24/7·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Post-partum patients are allowed one support person upon admission, to remain through discharge.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be no visitors allowed for confirmed positive COVID-19 patients, those patients awaiting COVID-19 test results or other patients on isolation precautions.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation will be restricted for patients needing care that creates a risk to others, such as those on BiPAP or those on continuous high flow oxygen.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Special consideration for circumstances such as end of life.All visitors and support persons must·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be age 19 or older.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Show identification and pass a health screening, including a temperature check. Any visitor or support person that shows symptoms or has a temperature higher than 100 degrees, will not be allowed to visit or accompany the patient.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wear a mask. Visitors and support persons are asked to bring their own cloth mask or face covering to wear throughout their entire visit, including while inside the patient’s room.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remain in the patient’s room while in the inpatient unit. Waiting rooms are closed at this time.Great Plains Health continues to work closely with local and state public health officials and regularly reviews policies to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff and the community.

Great Plains Health announces updated visitor policy, extending visiting hours

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska kicked off the week by registering nearly 500 new cases of the coronavirus as the state continues to see its number of cases climb, state health statistics showed.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online virus tracking site&nbsp;</a>showed 495 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Sunday in the state, and more than 2,320 cases were confirmed Friday through Sunday. That brought the state total to 52,382 confirmed cases and 519 deaths since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

The site also showed the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 - the disease caused by the virus - continued to grow. On Saturday, a new record of 305 people in Nebraska were hospitalized with the virus, which broke the previous day's record of 293 on Friday and was well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27. On Sunday, the number of hospitalizations had dropped by one, to 304.

Even with the recent rise in cases, 28% of the state's intensive care beds and 76% of the ventilators remain available.

The state has the seventh-highest rate of new cases, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen to nearly 641 per day by Sunday, compared with nearly 400 new cases per day for the seven-day period prior.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska kicked off the week by registering nearly 500 new cases of the coronavirus as the state continues to see its number of cases climb, state health statistics showed.The&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online virus tracking site&nbsp;</a>showed 495 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Sunday in the state, and more than 2,320 cases were confirmed Friday through Sunday. That brought the state total to 52,382 confirmed cases and 519 deaths since the pandemic began.&nbsp;The site also showed the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 - the disease caused by the virus - continued to grow. On Saturday, a new record of 305 people in Nebraska were hospitalized with the virus, which broke the previous day's record of 293 on Friday and was well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27. On Sunday, the number of hospitalizations had dropped by one, to 304.Even with the recent rise in cases, 28% of the state's intensive care beds and 76% of the ventilators remain available.The state has the seventh-highest rate of new cases, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen to nearly 641 per day by Sunday, compared with nearly 400 new cases per day for the seven-day period prior.

New coronavirus cases continue to grow in Nebraska 

In continuing our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19&nbsp;in&nbsp;our&nbsp;area and protect the health of our community, the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) is asking for&nbsp;your assistance.&nbsp;

If you have visited&nbsp;the Eagles Club #2839 at 620 N Chestnut St, in North Platte, NE&nbsp;on September 25th&nbsp;or 26th&nbsp;2020, you&nbsp;are potentially at risk of&nbsp;exposure&nbsp;to one or more COVID-19 cases identified at this event.&nbsp;Please&nbsp;visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nalhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yN57GCG24IXVxH">https://nalhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yN57GCG24IXVxH</a>&nbsp;and complete the screening questionnaire as soon as possible. &nbsp;If you do not have the capacity to complete the online screening questionnaire, please call 308-696-1201. Contact tracing is a vital tool used by public health departments to contain the spread of disease, your cooperation will assist the WCDHD staff in&nbsp;their&nbsp;case investigations.

“We are seeing a significant increase in cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths. We all have a critical role to play in decreasing the spread of COVID-19 within our communities. Make the choice to wear a facial covering to protect your family, friends, and neighbors, a simple choice that could save a life”,&nbsp;said Shannon Vanderheiden, Executive Director of WCDHD.&nbsp;

As a reminder to our communities,&nbsp;the following&nbsp;online&nbsp;resources and tools&nbsp;are&nbsp;made&nbsp;available:&nbsp;

•For information on current COVID-19 cases, please refer tothe WCDHDdashboard:<a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation?:language=en&amp;:display_count=y&amp;publish=yes&amp;:origin=viz_share_link">https://public.tableau.com/views/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation?:language=en&amp;:display_count=y&amp;publish=yes&amp;:origin=viz_share_link</a>•&nbsp;Current Directed Health Measure for the WCDHD jurisdiction:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/WCHD-DHM-September21.pdf">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/WCHD-DHM-September21.pdf</a>•&nbsp;COVID-19 Risk Dial &amp; Community Guidance:&nbsp;<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html</a>•&nbsp;For COVID-19 questions:&nbsp;<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/questions.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/questions.html</a>

In continuing our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19&nbsp;in&nbsp;our&nbsp;area and protect the health of our community, the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) is asking for&nbsp;your assistance.&nbsp;If you have visited&nbsp;the Eagles Club #2839 at 620 N Chestnut St, in North Platte, NE&nbsp;on September 25th&nbsp;or 26th&nbsp;2020, you&nbsp;are potentially at risk of&nbsp;exposure&nbsp;to one or more COVID-19 cases identified at this event.&nbsp;Please&nbsp;visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nalhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yN57GCG24IXVxH">https://nalhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yN57GCG24IXVxH</a>&nbsp;and complete the screening questionnaire as soon as possible. &nbsp;If you do not have the capacity to complete the online screening questionnaire, please call 308-696-1201. Contact tracing is a vital tool used by public health departments to contain the spread of disease, your cooperation will assist the WCDHD staff in&nbsp;their&nbsp;case investigations.“We are seeing a significant increase in cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths. We all have a critical role to play in decreasing the spread of COVID-19 within our communities. Make the choice to wear a facial covering to protect your family, friends, and neighbors, a simple choice that could save a life”,&nbsp;said Shannon Vanderheiden, Executive Director of WCDHD.&nbsp;As a reminder to our communities,&nbsp;the following&nbsp;online&nbsp;resources and tools&nbsp;are&nbsp;made&nbsp;available:&nbsp;•For information on current COVID-19 cases, please refer tothe WCDHDdashboard:<a href="https://public.tableau.com/views/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation?:language=en&amp;:display_count=y&amp;publish=yes&amp;:origin=viz_share_link">https://public.tableau.com/views/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation?:language=en&amp;:display_count=y&amp;publish=yes&amp;:origin=viz_share_link</a>•&nbsp;Current Directed Health Measure for the WCDHD jurisdiction:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/WCHD-DHM-September21.pdf">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/WCHD-DHM-September21.pdf</a>•&nbsp;COVID-19 Risk Dial &amp; Community Guidance:&nbsp;<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html</a>•&nbsp;For COVID-19 questions:&nbsp;<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/questions.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/questions.html</a>

WCDHD warns of possible COVID exposure at North Platte Eagles Club

WCDHD reported 11 new positive cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Friday.

All cases are from Lincoln County and under investigation. 

WCDHD reported 11 new positive cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Friday.All cases are from Lincoln County and under investigation. 2 cases are from today (9/4/2020)8 cases are from yesterday (9/3/2020)1 case is from a previous date.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599278483593.jpeg" alt=" " />
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WCDHD reports 11 new cases of COVID in Lincoln County

Due to ongoing concerns with the spread of Covid-19, including the recent spike in cases in Lincoln County, the NPHS Homecoming Dance will not be held this fall.

As an alternative,&nbsp;we are exploring the possibility of hosting a Homecoming Dance towards the end of the Varsity Basketball Season. We are hopeful that there will be enhanced testing practices, treatments, and even a vaccine in place by this time. One or more of these game-changers improves the chances of hosting a safe, successful Homecoming Dance.

NPHS still plans to host a Homecoming Football game, Homecoming theme days, and other events that minimize the spread of Covid-19

Due to ongoing concerns with the spread of Covid-19, including the recent spike in cases in Lincoln County, the NPHS Homecoming Dance will not be held this fall.As an alternative,&nbsp;we are exploring the possibility of hosting a Homecoming Dance towards the end of the Varsity Basketball Season. We are hopeful that there will be enhanced testing practices, treatments, and even a vaccine in place by this time. One or more of these game-changers improves the chances of hosting a safe, successful Homecoming Dance.NPHS still plans to host a Homecoming Football game, Homecoming theme days, and other events that minimize the spread of Covid-19

North Platte High School cancels Homecoming dance, looking at alternatives 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Two sororities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are under quarantine after several coronavirus cases were reported at each house during the first week of classes.

University officials said Wednesday that everyone living at the Delta Delta Delta sorority house has been placed under quarantine after five cases of the virus were reported there.

Earlier in the week, the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority house on campus was also placed under quarantine after a separate cluster of five cases was reported there.&nbsp;

Classes began in person Monday at the university in Lincoln.

Elsewhere, Omaha school board President Marque Snow said Tuesday that he would suspend all his campaign events and isolate himself after testing positive for the virus. Snow is running for the state Legislature.

The Omaha school district is relying only on online instruction this fall because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. The school board last met in person on Aug. 17.

Nebraska reported 379 new cases of the virus Wednesday to give the state 32,727 cases of coronavirus. There have also been 386 virus deaths.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has decreased from 264.57 new cases per day on Aug. 12 to 217.57 new cases per day on Wednesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Two sororities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are under quarantine after several coronavirus cases were reported at each house during the first week of classes.University officials said Wednesday that everyone living at the Delta Delta Delta sorority house has been placed under quarantine after five cases of the virus were reported there.Earlier in the week, the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority house on campus was also placed under quarantine after a separate cluster of five cases was reported there.&nbsp;Classes began in person Monday at the university in Lincoln.Elsewhere, Omaha school board President Marque Snow said Tuesday that he would suspend all his campaign events and isolate himself after testing positive for the virus. Snow is running for the state Legislature.The Omaha school district is relying only on online instruction this fall because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. The school board last met in person on Aug. 17.Nebraska reported 379 new cases of the virus Wednesday to give the state 32,727 cases of coronavirus. There have also been 386 virus deaths.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has decreased from 264.57 new cases per day on Aug. 12 to 217.57 new cases per day on Wednesday.

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